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EC2020/EC202C Examination Examination Answers • Need introduction and conclusion • Introduction. Interpret question, indicate how you are going to answer it, and why • Conclusion should link back to introduction • Devote approximately same time to each subsection of questions. But link all sections where possible. • Some sub-headings useful. 1 • Avoid long, rambling paragraphs • Structure and argument key, not information • Need extra ‘insights’ and commentary for high mark (i.e. a First). • Devote same time to all questions. • Also attempt to answer all parts of question as worded. • Between 1,000 and 1,200 words for each question • Prepare answers; if all in your own words no memory work involved. Avoid learning off from other source (including class mates) 2 Questions A1 Why is it worth studying economic history? Illustrate your answer with reference to some examples from pre-1922 Ireland. A2 In relation to historical economic events and policy in Ireland, comment on the following, bearing in mind the reasons for looking at history at all: (i) the 1920s and 1930s, (ii) 1939 to 1960 and (iii) and from 1975 to 2015. B1 Discuss the following. (Write up as one continuous essay). (i) Are people the best judges of their own welfare and if not who else is? Who should be included in arriving at the aggregate welfare for Ireland: immigrants, the Irish abroad, future generations? (ii) Comment critically on the links between GDP per capita and human welfare. (iii) Examine critically the concept of competitiveness and why it matters so much for a small regional economy like Ireland’s, especially as we are now in the euro zone. B2 (i) Discuss the principles of efficiency, equity and simplicity in relation to a tax system. ((ii) 3 Illustrate the points you make with reference to corporation taxes and taxes on income. C1 (i) What is the rationale in principle for government in a market economy? (ii) Why must some of these functions be applied increasingly at a global level? iii) What further issues arise in relation to EU integration? C2 Either: Discuss the following. (i) Definitions of openness, non-traded sector, and roles of traded and non-traded sectors. (ii) Reasons for regulation. (iii) Approaches to and difficulties with regulation. Or, Provide a broad overview of policy in relation to competition, and regulation of networks and natural monopolies, in Ireland. D1 Comment on the main components of state expenditure in Ireland. Discuss the size of government as an issue, and in particular what the causes of variations in this size are, including the impact of the political process. 4 D2 Discuss the key policy issues in relation to the following, drawing on the principles that should underlie any good tax system: (i) VAT and excise duties; (ii) property taxes; and (iii) national debt as deferred taxation. E1 Discuss the following, clearly linking the three parts of the question. (i) What determines population size in any country: illustrate your answer with reference to the Irish experience up to 2016, especially with regard to migration. (ii) Examine the issue of labour supply and key considerations in the nature of employment in Ireland. (iii) Outline some key features of unemployment in Ireland, paying particular attention to long-term and youth unemployment/inactivity. Comment on the measurement/comparison difficulties that arise. E2 Examine the agri-food sector under three of the following headings: characteristics of agricultural sector, agricultural policy, food processing and distribution, and food policy issues. 5 F1 Discuss the causes and solutions to unemployment, as they apply to any economy, using the following three divisions and using the latest evidence available in the core book: (i) global factors such as new technology and increased trade and migration, (ii) labour-market flexibility, such as wages, industrial relations and employment protection legislation, and (iii) longterm unemployment, such as the operation of the unemployment payments system and active labour market policies. F2 What is the economic rationale for state involvement in the education sector? Outline some of the difficulties of assessing performance of the sector in Ireland, drawing on the most recent evidence readily available. G1 (i) What are the difficulties of comparing growth rates of output internationally and over time? Comment on other measures that could be used to indicate changes in living standards. (ii) What drives productivity growth (i.e. GDP per person employed) in any economy? Discuss in terms of 6 human capital, physical capital, institutions, natural resources and technology referring to the Irish case where possible to illustrate the points you make. (iii) How would you briefly describe the Irish growth experience in the last 10 years and what are the prospects for growth in Ireland 2016 to 2020 would you argue? G2 Either. Outline some of the key features of the manufacturing and internationally-traded services sectors and comment on some policy issues in Ireland with regard to these sectors. Or: Examine the energy sector, in terms of its importance, provision and performance. H1 Examine what is the role of the state in providing health services? What in your opinion are the key economic issues related to health policy in Ireland? H2 (i) What are the causes of inequality, within and across countries and over time? (ii) What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of trying to reduce inequality? (iii) Either. Discuss the political economy of poverty and inequality 7 reduction. Or Key policy efforts and challenges in addressing inequality in Ireland. Structure of Paper • Decide now on which blocks to choose • Eight questions on paper do any four • One question from each of Blocks A to H. • An either/or question on assessment hand-outs will appear as this also in examination. • Preparing any four blocks covers you, with certainty • One-term students: 90 minute exam, four questions answer any two from HT. • Use (i) lectures/classes, (ii) book and (iii) articles emailed to you throughout year • Every examination question not covered for tests was covered fully in lectures. Comments • Exam likely week of 9th May • Results not until mid-June • Remember Schol results before this, on April 11th. Be prepared for surprise/shock! • 50% of assessment already completed • Timing of study: to end of exams, possibly 20th May. 8 • Avoid an F2 at all costs. Or two F1s. • 40, 40, 40, 40, 40, 40 a pass, but not 70, 70, 70, 65, 65, 28 • Avoid messing up your summer by having to do supplemental exams • JS a crunch year, as need 2.2 or part of degree for TSM • May see some of you in EC3030 (European Economy) • Programme requirements though restrict greatly some choices • Also SER 2017 and debates: no applications until first week MT next. Study can be difficult! 9